A new giant frog trail is coming back to Stockport in time for the school holidays and it’s free.
The Great Frogtastic Invention Trail launches on Saturday, July 22nd, just in time for the kids’ summer break featuring 19 colourful giant sculptures for families to find.
Following the success of the previous trails of the amphibian themed hunt, this year will feature a whole army of new frogs creating hours of fun to keep the kids entertained.
The new collection represents 19 different inventions and will be spread across Stockport town centre, but we can’t tell you where.
Sponsored by local businesses and organisations, the frogs are the creation of Totally Stockport, the team from Stockport’s Business Improvement District, and the 19-strong army have been painted by local artists.
Totally Stockport said: “Nineteen frogtastic invention frogs will be hopping onto their giant cogs located throughout the town centre, creating an educational, engaging and vibrant, outdoor art trail attracting thousands of people from across the region.
“People from all ages and backgrounds, from businesses, schools and community groups will once again be attracted to discover the trail and explore the town centre to seek out all the fantastic frogs.”
They continued: “From the beginning of the Stone Age, around 2.6 million years ago, man has strived to invent tools and technologies to make life easier and more efficient.
“Stockport’s Great Frogtastic Inventions Trail takes you on a journey through history, celebrating many of the greatest inventions – from the wheel to the slinky, from the printing press to the iPod.
“Grab a map, follow the vibrant and fun outdoor art trail to discover all 19 invention frogs.”
Maps can be collected from town centre shops or will soon be available to download online. The frog trail runs until September 29th.
Participants of the frog hunt could be in with a chance to win a prize.
Track down ‘Minty’ and correctly guess how many coins have been painted on this fine fellow.
The full list of frog statues available to find are:
Get in the festive spirit with a brand new FREE Christmas makers night market, with over 40 traders and small businesses from across the region. Brought to you by Renaker, the Manchester Made Christmas night market is coming to New Jackson, Deansgate Square from Friday December 6th to Sunday December 8th.
Following on from a successful summer market in May, the Manchester Made Market is returning bigger and better than before but with a Christmassy twist.
Manchester Made Market
Expect a ‘cosy and magical’ Christmas night market experience, with food, drink, live music and even a grotto for visits to Father Christmas. There’ll be Christmas trees galore, glittering with lighting, with one huge show-stopping tree taking centre stage.
Bringing together over 40 artisanal traders and small businesses from across the region, the three-day event will showcase a plethora of food produce, homewares, crafts and creations.
Manchester Made Market
Visitors will be sure to find unique Christmas gifts that support local businesses, including from The Cole Men and their award winning sauces, Moon & Sixpence’s handmade jewellery, and fine art photography by Craig Barker.
There’ll be live music from a 20-piece choir, playing Christmas classics, cocktails from Manchester Gin and Gooey’s sweet treats. The experts from Millington Hall Farm in Altrincham will be bringing a taste of their Wild Grill experience, including live sausage making demonstrations and an array of German sausages served from a festive BBQ trailer.
Manchester Made Market
Families with children can visit the Christmas grotto, where Father Christmas himself will be waiting in a cosy tipi – kids will get a gift from Santa, and bookings can be made online for £8.50 per child.
Manchester Made Market will be open from 4pm to 9pm on Friday December 6th, and 1pm to 9pm on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th – pre-register for a free guest list ticket and 50% off a hot chocolate HERE, or book the Christmas grotto HERE.
Stockport’s free, one-day Christmas festival is returning this festive season, with 200 performers and more than 50 shows.
Spectacular Sunday will return to the town on November 17th at various sites and venues.
Following the success of last year’s event, hundreds of performers will take over Stockport, with everything from giant roller-skating presents to a living snow globe and roaming Christmas dolls.
There will also be street theatre, including grumpy Christmas grandads, a gigantic balloon man and water show.
Matthew Nichol Photography
Produced by carnival arts organisation Global Grooves and organised by Stockport Council, Totally Stockport, Merseyway and Stockport Market, the town centre will be buzzing with Christmas excitement. Events will be happening in iconic Stockport locations like Market Place, Underbanks, Merseyway, Redrock and Suffragette Square.
A grand finale in Merseyway will bring together the brass bands of Stockport, ending the day with a huge flash mob and rendition of All You Need Is Love.
Cirq Delight
Cllr Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said: “We’re so excited to bring this event back after last year’s amazing success.
“It’s such a fun way to get everyone in the festive spirit and really shows off what makes Stockport special – our sense of community and joy.
“With loads of free performances and activities, plus a chance to enjoy the newly improved areas of Merseyway, it’s a perfect day out for families.
“Stockport’s Spectacular Sunday is all about having fun, making memories, and starting the holiday season in style.” Spectacular Sunday is happening from 11am to 5pm on Sunday November 17th – find out more HERE.
The prestigious Manchester Art Fair is back in town for its 16th year next month, bringing with it a vibrant gallery space showcasing thousands of works from over 500 artists.
One of the biggest and most significant events in the UK art world calendar, it’ll take over Manchester Central for three days, from Friday November 15th to 17th.
The city will be flooded with art from all corners of the world, championing everything from local heroes to new emerging talent, as well as international artists with worldwide acclaim.
Manchester Art Fair
A wide range of artistic disciplines will be represented at the event, from painters, illustrators, and sculptors to graffiti artists and everything in between.
Expect exhibitions, workshops, Q&A sessions, demos, book signings and parties happening across the event.
Tickets include free access to art workshops and talks from leading artists and cultural experts, and are on sale now.